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1 Herbert Thomas Jamaica Institute of Engineers Caribbean Infrastructure Conference September 21-22, 2011 Developing Sustainable Infrastructure Exploring the State Of Development of Water Resources Management in Jamaica"

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2 Jamaicas Water Problems, Can we solve it?

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3 To increase awareness of: The current Water Resources Status; supply development Challenges and Opportunities IWRM approach to sustainable water resource management and development Current IWRM status Gaps affecting implementation Way forward Aim of Presentation

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4 Current water resources status (National outlook) The exploitable potential about 1100 times Mona reservoirs capacity The nationally exploitable water resources is sufficient to meet the current total demand of 1813 MCM/y (includes environmental demands) and the estimated demands for year 2025 of 1294 MCM/y The surplus is more than 50% of the exploitable potential. Over allocation of the resource for sector needs approx 290 MCM Based on the above there should be no water shortage or scarcity. Environmental demand

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5 Current water resources status (Basin/WMU outlook) southern demands exceed that of the northern basins water shortage problem in the Kingston Basin shortage in the Rio Cobre Basin by 2025 given demand. Inter basin transfer between southern basins only redistribute the scarcity in the long run exploitable surplus greater on the northern side. Those mainly groundwater fed rivers reliably yield approx 900 MCM This could augment supplies in the south to meet all current and future demands.

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7 Opportunities The reliable surface flows in the north exceeds the national demands and requiring little storage. There is hydropower potential from surface water sources to support reduced energy cost. Inclusion of improved land zoning to minimize energy requirement be made into policy.

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8 ……Ad-Hoc Crisis Management wont solve it. ….. IWRM Approach Will

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9 Integrated Water Resources Management IWRM is a means of achieving three key strategic objectives: Equity in the allocation -reduce conflict - promote sustainable development. Efficiency, given scarcity of resources - important to maximise the economic and social benefits Environmental sustainability - water resources base and ecosystems are not infinitely robust - should not be put at risk

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10 Integrated Water Resources Management Concept Integrated WRM 1.-Fresh water is finite, vulnerable, essential to life, development and environment 2.-Participatory approach at all levels 3.-Central role of women 4.Water as an economic good Dublin Statement (1992) IWRM is the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems and the environment (Global Water Partnership, 2000).

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18 Gaps Largest obstacle to IWRM adoption is the lack of the institutional structure to facilitate coordination Policy/legislation revision to ensure land/water developments compatible with IWRM. Inadequate investment in development aspect of IWRM (hard infrastructure) IWRM is the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of ecosystems and the environment

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19 The Way Forward Fast tract establishment of Apex Body for IWRM coordination Review/Upgrade V2030 water sector roadmap (ensure theory of change identifiable) Assess/invest in appropriate water infrastructure (if we are to manage climate variability in time and space and to adapt to climate change). V2030 Water Sector Plan